Will we see humanoid robots taking more active roles in hospitals, constructions sites and other work places outside Japan? And will robots like the Paro therapy seal showing up more often in homes? How far away is a robotic pet trade? The Pleo is a pretty astonishing toy and an example of what the future may hold in this regard:

This video does suggest an eagerness by these elderly Japanese Paro owners to accept their robotic companion, and even see it as superior to human and non-human animal companions.